For beneficiaries, they are entitled to bequests as part of a deceased person’s estate, but not all executors do what they are supposed to do. In Texas, beneficiaries hold the right to pursue legal action against an estate’s executor if they perceive a violation of...
Decatur Family Law and Probate Attorney
Can someone with dementia create a valid estate plan?
By the time a will reaches probate court, the deceased’s loved one may have already been surprised. This is especially true when those who were expected to inherit assets end up receiving less than they thought they would, or they’re entirely cut out the inheritance...
How long is the probate process with a valid will in Texas?
When a loved one passes away, surviving family members may have the responsibility of handling the estate of the deceased. If the person who passed away created a will before they passed, the will must be submitted to the court for validation. Generally, under Texas...
Choosing an executor for your estate
Choosing an executor is an important part of the estate planning process. It is not a decision you should make quickly or hastily. An executor is the person in charge of administering your estate after you pass away. They have many responsibilities including...
What are the application requirements to probate a will?
In Texas, after a person dies, probate is a key part of the process to ensure their will is adhered to. The executor will file an application so the will can be probated. While this might seem like a basic process, there is nuance to it and the executor need to be...
Can a will created by an Alzheimer’s sufferer be valid?
When a loved one passes away, you’ll turn to their estate planning documents to determine how their estate should be distributed. In many cases, that’s a straightforward matter. But if your loved one suffered from a mental health condition like Alzheimer’s, then...
Debts and estate administration
Many of us may wish it were otherwise, but our debts do not disappear when we die. They must be paid by our estates. If you have been appointed as executor of an estate, this means you will pay these debts out of the estate. Fiduciary duty As the executor or...
Can I funnel my entire estate into a trust for my family?
If you are contemplating estate planning, the notion of channeling your entire estate into a trust might intrigue you. In this post, we delve into the feasibility of consolidating your entire estate into a trust in Texas and outline best practices. Understanding...
Who should you name as your will executor?
When it comes to planning your estate, choosing a reliable and responsible executor for your will is an important decision. The person you designate will be responsible for carrying out your final wishes and distributing your assets according to your instructions. To...
What does it mean to die intestate?
Many Texas residents who encounter probate court are coming into the situation with more questions than answers. After all, it is a rare occurrence, for most people, to find themselves with the need to navigate their way through the probate process more than once or...